2019 • 02 • 21

More detailed El Nido travel guide here: El Nido Budget Travel Guide

Bukal Beach of Bukal Island is part of El Nido’s Tour D, but it is a noteworthy destination on its own. It may be small in size, but it makes up for it with a beautiful beachscape, calm waters for swimming, and an overlooking view of the surroundings.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: El Nido Airport, also known as Lio Airport (Palawan); Puerto Princesa International Airport (Palawan); Francisco B. Reyes Airport, also known as Busuanga Airport (Palawan)

By Air

1. There are many flights to and from Puerto Princesa. From Manila, major airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have daily and regular flights. Buy your plane tickets months in advance to get the best and lowest possible price.
    
   There are also direct flights to El Nido from Manila via Air SWIFT, but this will cost you more.
2. Once in Puerto Princesa, you have the option to board the RoRo and Cherry Bus or one of the many vans that travel to El Nido. The bus option costs around P290-P480/way and the van’s fare costs around P550 to P600 per way.

 
Via van, head to Robinson’s Mall where the van terminal is located.
Via bus and RoRo bus, go to Junction 1 (P8), and then ride a multi-cab going to San Jose Terminal. You can also hire a tricycle for P80-100.
 

3. Once you arrive in El Nido, take a tricycle going downtown or directly to your hotel.
4. From either the town proper or along Bacuit Bay, book El Nido’s Tour D.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

Bukal Island is part of El Nido’s Tour D. Other destinations for this tour package include Cadlao Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, and Paradise Beach. The tour package is inclusive of boat, lunch, life vest, snorkeling gear, and tour guide fee.

• El Nido Island Hopping Tour D: P1200/person
  Note: The local government standardizes the tour rates. Island hopping tour operation starts at 9am and ends at 4pm.
• Eco-Tourism Development Fee: P200 (good for 10 days)
• Tour D Private Boat Rental: P1500 (small boat); P3000 – P4000 (large boat)
• Others: P700 (kayak rental, whole day, within operation hours); P150 (snorkel gear rental)

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Don’t Miss

• Bukal Beach is the ideal place to relax, unwind, and wade in its emerald clear waters.
• Have a snack on the beach or just chill after a hectic day of island hopping.
• The beach also has a handful of rock formations that add to its raw appeal. Your boatman/guide will also tell you where to climb to get a bird’s eye view of the island, the sea, and the other islands.

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Don’t Forget

• There are now ATMs in El Nido. But don’t rely too much on these as they may be short on cash. Bring enough for your trip.
• You will most likely rent a boat for Tour D as it is not regularly offered. You can either form a group in town or bring one with you to save money.
• Bring your own gear if you plan to snorkel but don’t want to rent.
• Bring your own snacks or ask the boatman to buy and cook food for you if you choose to have a private tour.
• Bring a power bank to keep your phone and camera charged for the trip.
• Keep the place clean. Practice proper garbage disposal. Leave nothing but footprints. Follow the rules and regulations.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• Bukal Beach is part of Tour D along with Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, and Cadlao Lagoon. After this activity, you can have another round of island hopping as El Nido has three more (A, B, and C).
• Watch the sunset at Marimegmeg Beach or spend a day or night in Nacpan Beach.

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Where to Stay

Whether budget or high-end, you have plenty of choices in El Nido. Here are some of the top-rated accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Matinloc Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Vellago Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• El Nido Resorts Lagen Island. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Palawan Hotels